October 17, 2008. THE INVISIBLE FOREST. A screening of ANTEROALLI’s film about a theater director’s pursuit of the radical vision of the French surrealist ANTONIN ARTAUD. Filmmaker will be present. Artists’ Television Access, 992 Valencia St., SF. 415.824.3890 or http://www.atasite.org for details. $6.

October 18, 2008. JACK N. RAKOVE, Stanford University, gives a talk entitled, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, DEMOCRAT AND DIPLOMAT as part of the Humanities West concentration on the American statesman. The day’s events are from 10am to 4pm. For information, see http://www.humanitieswest.org for details.

October 18, 2008. PHILIPPE BERTHO presents his work at the Martin Lawrence Galleries as part of his ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE tour. Original works and newly released prints available for acquisition Artist receptions at both the Geary Street gallery and the Beach St. gallery. http://www.martinlawrence.com for details.

October 19, 2008. EUROPEAN EXPAT GATHERING. Meet other internationally-minded people in a convivial cross-cultural atmosphere. If you feel cosmopolitan and want to make interesting new friends, have substantial conversations, practice your language skills or just have fun, come join us! Drop in when you can and stay for as long as you want. Newcomers are welcome. Come on your own or with a friend. You'll discover a friendly group where mingling is mandatory! The soiree starts late-afternoon to allow people to dine together afterwards if they so choose. Find out the details and sign up for this free San Francisco event at http://euro.meetup.com/80/. Meetup registration is quick and free. BAY AREA FRIENDS OF EUROPE "Where Europeans and Europhiles can meet and make friends." http://www.bafoe.org/

October 21, 2008. SPECIAL PREMIERE SCREENING OF FRENCH ANIMATED FEATURE, FEAR(S) OF THE DARK. 7:30pm Blutch, Charles Burns, Marie Caillou, Pierre di Sciullo, Lorenzo Mattotti, Richard McGuire (Peur(s) du noir, France 2007) « With ultrarealistic techniques now possible, it is important to remember that animation is first and foremost art. Whether slick or rough, paint or pencil, or even originating from a computer, an image is carefully hand designed for every single frame of film. It is the ultimate work of a creator, personally using the drawn frame, chiaroscuro contrast, the angle of the light, and the line movement to tell a story. But it is also the duration of a shot, and what is and isn’t heard. It is the style of the art and the art of the storytelling that make Fear(s) of the Dark so wonderful» –Mike Plante, Sundance Film Festival. Location: Landmark’s Embarcadero Center Cinema, One Embarcadero Center, Promenade Level, San Francisco, CA 94111, (415) 267-4893 http://www.frenchculture.org/spip.php?article1787

October 22, 2008. INAUGURAL TAX BREAKFAST. The French-American Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us for an Inaugural Tax Breakfast, October 22nd - We are looking for participants! Anxious about the upcoming Tax season? Do you want to be optimize and be better prepared for the process? This Bootcamp is perfect for all businesses who wish to delve into the details of California's complex regulations and better understand its workings. Through a hands-on examine test cases and a comprehensive discussion on core tax issues encountered by every business, our experts will help volunteer companies get started on the way to success. The main objectives of this event are to share experiences through an analysis of your own company; to discuss shared problems; to exchange with our experts and find solutions for your company! - Participate as one of our four candidates: You will have the opportunity to present your company's specific tax concerns. Our experts will offer practical solutions for your own case! - or as one of our attendees: You will have the opportunity to have practical examples and cases, and to exchange with other attendees facing the same issues as you are, and to benefit the experience of our experts! Our experts: Sidney Barclais: Founder and Partner of Barclais USA, LLC. A partner from French American Accountancy, LLP A representative from Alvarez & Marsal Registration Information here $30 for Members/ $50 Non-Members.Contact: Carole Granade - Executive Director - carole@faccsf.com, French American Chamber of Commerce, 703 Market Street, Suite 450 San Francisco, CA 94103. Tel: (415) 442 4717 - Fax: (415) 442 4621 or www.faccsf.com for details.

October 22, 2008. FRENCH ON BROADWAY. 6:30-9:30pm This Fall celebration will bring Francophiles and French Speaking San Franciscans together at the Broadway Studios in San Francisco. French on Broadway will feature wine tasting from quality wineries from local small wineries to international growers, a wonderful trapeze show and jazzy musical interludes. Presented by the French American Cultural Society Location: Broadway Studios, 435 Broadway, San Francisco More info: contact@facs-sf.org. Presented by the French-American Cultural Society.

October 22, 2008. CINE-CLUB A L’ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE DE SAN FRANCISCO:
DIABOLIQUE (1955) screened at the Alliance Française de San Francisco. Directed by Henri-Geourges Clouzot, starring Vera Clouzot and Paul Meurisse. Henri-Georges Clouzot helmed this icy masterwork of homicide and Grand Guignol suspense. Clouzot's real-life wife, Véra, portrays Christina Delasalle, ailing spouse of the sadistic headmaster (Paul Meurisse) of a moldering private boarding school. A ruthless lothario, he becomes the target of a murder plot concocted by his wife and his latest mistress, an icy teacher played by Simone Signoret. A dark, dank thriller with a much-imitated "shock" ending. The simple murder plot goes haywire, and Michel's corpse disappears, prompting strange rumors of his reappearance which grow more and more substantial as the film careens wildly towards its breathless conclusion. Soon other mysterious events begin to occur... Enjoy the latest releases from France sur le grand ecran and a glass of wine with AFSF ciné-philes and discussion en français. Straight from the AFSF Médiathèque. Second & fourth Wednesdays, 7:00pm. Sept 10, 24, Oct 8, 22, Tuesday Nov 11, 20 (exceptionally). Visit http://www.afsf.com for updates on featured films. Free. Alliance Française de San Francisco, 1345 Bush St., SF. 415.775.7755 or http://www.afsf.com for details.

October 23, 2008. WILLIAM EDDINS conducts the BERKELEY SYMPHONY, including works by GERMAINE TAILLEFERRE, CLAUDE DEBUSSY, LILI BOULANTER and more. http://www.berkeleysymphony.org/ for details.

October 23, 2008. THE WAY NORTH: MAGHREBI WOMEN IN MARSEILLE, followed by AMINA, in a special Arab Film Festival Screening. From Marseille, come the stories of Fatima Rhazi and North African immigrant women cultivating new lives for themselves and their families in contemporary France. Riots throughout France in 2005 and the presidential election in 2007 are backdrops to the stories of Fatima Rhazi, Morocco’s first female sports photographer, and the women she works to empower. Amina / Dir. Khadija Al-Salami / Yemen / 2008 / 52min (filmmaker expected for Q& A). In this chilling documentary about life on death row, Khadija Al-Salami’s gains remarkable access into a Yemeni prison for women. Amina, a mother of three who was married off at 11 years of age, awaits execution after standing convicted of murdering her husband despite her pleas of innocence. Free for AFF Pass Holders and AFSF members, $5 general admission. Alliance Française de San Francisco. 415.775.7755 or http://www.afsf.com for details.

October 24, 2008. BIENVENUE A MR. BEN DAOUDI. Alliance Française members and friends are invited to join staff, teachers, and our Board of Directors for a reception welcoming our new Executive Director of the Alliance Française de San Francisco, Mr. Ben Mohamed Daoudi. Wine and light refreshments will be served. Free. . Alliance Française de San Francisco, 1345 Bush St., SF. 415.775.7755 or http://www.afsf.com for details.

October 24, 2008. RUSSEL SHORTO talks abut DESCARTES’ BONES: A SKELETAL HISTORY OF THE CONFLICT BETWEEN FAITH AND REASON. In 1666, sixteen years after his death, the bones of Rene Descartes were dug up and embarked on a journey that lasted 350 years – all part of the bizarre philosophical tug-of-war unleashed by Descartes’ famous dictum cogito ergo sum.Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera. 415.927.0960 or http://www.bookpassage.com for details. 7pm.

October 24-25, 2008. TRAJECTORIES OF THE CATASTROPHIC: A CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF THE WORK OF PAUL VIRILIO. From the sweeping effects of technology on culture to the history of the City as war-machine, join artists, filmmakers, and scholars as they perform a forensic examination upon the ideas of one of the foremost theorists of the information age. Lectures, film screenings and roundtable discussions spanning over a two day period featuring: Dominic Angerame, Jordan Crandall, James Der Derian, DJ Spooky, Ricardo Dominguez, Arthur Kroker, Marilouise Kroker, Sylvere Lotringer, Steve Redhead, John Colle Rodgers and Stelarc Location: San Francisco Art Institute, 800 Chestnut Street, San Francisco, CA Presented by City Lights Booksellers & Publishers in conjunction with the Consulate General of France in San Francisco and the San Francisco Art Institute Film Department http://www.frenchculture.org/spip.php?article1719

October 25, 2008. FRANCIS BACON (1909-1992): THE ANATOMY OF HORROR. A Café-Musée event. Présenté - en francais, bien sur! - par Renée Morel. Francis Bacon (1909-1992) has been hailed as one of the greatest painters of the 20th century. Born in Dublin of English parents, this self-taught painter spent time in London, Berlin and Paris before emerging as a major artist in 1945. Bacon explored sexuality, violence and isolation through indelible images of writhing figures, gory crucifixions, individuals in confined spaces (cages, cells, glass boxes). The unflinching depictions of this "Beckett of painting" reflect, through a glass darkly, the anxieties and terrors of the modern condition, its existential agony. Learn about the turbulent life of this gregarious Soho bohemian whose tormented lover, George Dyer, committed suicide in a hotel room in Paris. See the pictorial sources for Bacon's disturbing work: clips from "Battleship Potemkin," photos by Muybridge or from the Nuremberg trial, medical images, etc. Examine Bacon's showmanship, his incredibly beautiful hues, and how mysterious his art still remains. This Cafe Musee presentation takes its inspiration from the world-class Francis Bacon retrospective currently held at the Tate Britain in London and coming to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York next year for Bacon's centennial. Superb slides, scrumptious brunch and stimulating exchanges! Come practice your French and meet others! Organized by our great Café Musée team. Open to all. Donation: $3. 9:30am-12:30pm. Visual Arts Building (Room V114), City College of San Francisco, 50 Phelan Avenue, San Francisco.

October 26, 2008. AN AFTERNOON OF FRENCH CHAMBER MUSIC. Program includes a set of chanson by DEBUSSY and POULENC’s SEXTET FOR PIANO AND WINDS, and more. A Benefit for the Occidental Center for the Arts Occidental Community Church, 3637 Church Street Tickets $20, reservations suggested, (707) 874-9392. 3pm.

October 27, 2008. MARGARET TROST talks about ON THAT DAY, EVERYBODY ATE: ONE WOMAN’S STORY OF HOPE AND POSSIBILITY IN HAITI. Widowed in her 30’s with a young child, Trost visited Haiti as part of a reverse mission – serving the poor as a means of personal transformation. This is a moving account of her immersion in the West’s most impoverished nation. 12:30-1:30 p.m. – Reading at Stacey's Bookstore, 581 Market St., San Francisco, CA. Contact: Stacey's Bookstore, 415-421-4687

October 27, 2008. AN EVENING WITH DAVID SEDARIS. San Francisco Memorial Opera House. 415.392.4400 or http://www.cityboxoffice.com for details. 8pm.

October 27-29, 2008. ARTS OF FASHION 2008 – SF UNDER CREATIVE FASHION’S INFLUENCE The International Fashion Student Competition takes over the SFMOMA. Arts of Fashion 2008 will bring an international collection of fashion, art, ideas, and talents to San Francisco on October 25-29 at the Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) while the De Young Museum prepares the Nov. 1 public opening of the first retrospective covering Yves Saint Laurent’s 40 years of creativity. The Arts of Fashion Foundation invites the public to an exciting mix of debates, seminars, and presentations of collections including three New York based rising talents participating in the Debut Series (sponsored by YKK of America) and two rising stars featured in the CarteBlanche Series: Cathy Pill - invited guest of the Paris Haute Couture Presentations and Isabelle Steiger from Vienna - Hyeres International Fashion Festival 2008. In addition, the main focus of the event will be the entries by 68 fashion students selected for the final from 79 different fashion Schools and Universities from 23 different countries. These designers will present their creations related to this year's theme ‘Influence’ in the frame of a unique fashion show and display at the SFMOMA on Wed. October 29. Students selected by the professional international jury in San Francisco will be awarded with internships in prestigious and creative Fashion Houses such as as Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, Anne-Valerie Hash and Natalia Brilli in Paris, Veronique Branquinho in Antwerp and Wendy & Jim in Vienna. Different scholarships will be offered with the Schools of the Chambre Syndicale and Duperre Applied Arts School - Paris, as well as the La Cambre School of Visual Arts - Brussels. Among the international roster of nearly twenty talented and notable jurists will be: • Natalia Brilli – Creative director for Natalia Brilli – Paris • Susie Bubble – Commissioning fashion editor for Dazed and Confused, journalist and blogger – London • Aurore de La Morinerie – Fashion illustrator – Paris • Tony Delcampe – Director of La Cambre-Mode, Fashion School – Brussels • Laurent Edmond – First creative assistant for Martin Margiela – Paris • Ben Ospital – Owner of the Boutique MAC – Modern Appealing Clothing – San Francisco • Own – Menswear duo designers for Veronique Branquinho – Antwerp • Wendy&Jim – Creative fashion duo designers – Vienna The Arts of Fashion Foundation’s prestigious MasterClass-Series will begin it’s fourth rendition on October 25 to October 29. The Series is a great opportunity for students and young professionals to work with outstanding guest designers during 5 intensive days. Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that the work done during the intensive five day MasterClass-Series will also be presented during the Fashion Show at the SFMOMA. For a complete and detailed schedule of events, accommodation, as well as information and bios of participating jurists, please visit www.arts-of-fashion.org or contact Arts of Fashion President, Nathalie Doucet at 415-252-0734. The San Francisco Arts of Fashion 2008 is made possible by the support of YKK of America, Target Design Partnership Committee and the Arts of Fashion Foundation.

October 29, 2008. PHILIPPE VERGNE at San Francisco Art Institute. 7:30pm Recently named the new director of the DIA Art Foundation in NYC (where he will assume his post in September), Philippe Vergne is best known for his curatorial and directorial work at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis (Minnesota). While there he organized more than twenty-five international exhibitions, including Let’s Entertain: Life’s Guilty Pleasures (2000); How Latitudes Become Forms: Art in a Global Age (2003); Shadowlands: An Exhibition as a Film (2005); House of Oracles: A Huang Yong Ping Retrospective (2005); Cameron Jamie (2006); and Kara Walker: My Complement, My Enemy, My Oppressor, My Love (2007). In 2004, he was appointed director of the Francois Pinault Foundation for Contemporary Art in Paris and in 2006 curated, with Chrissie Iles, the Whitney Biennial. Vergne was honored in 2004 by the French government with the Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters medal. Location: SFAI Lecture hall, 800 Chestnut Street campus.

October 29, 2008. DELUXE RED BORDEAUX. A class offered at The French Cellar -- Regional Wines & Objects from France. Classes listed above will be held on Wednesday evenings at 7 PM for approximately 2 hours and are limited to 16 participants. The cost of classes including 8 wines or Champagnes for tasting, is $60 per person, except for Deluxe, Champagne and Chocolats Noirs & The Red Wines of Bordeaux classes, which are $90 per person. A selection of French cheeses, pâté and fruit will be served buffet-style for your enjoyment and to relate the wine to food during our tasting. Reservations should be booked in advance with a credit card and cancellations must be made within 24 hours of each class for a refund. We look forward to you joining us in discovering great wine finds from France! 32 East Main Street, Los Gatos CA 95030, tel 408.354.0993 or fax 408.354.2723 or www.thefrenchcellar.com for details.

October 31, 2008. SOCIETE REALISTE – GLYPHS AND STRATA at San Francisco Art Institute, October 31, 5:00pm Société réaliste is a Paris-based cooperative created, in June 2004, by Frenec Grof and Jean-Baptiste Naudy. The cooperative manages the development of research and production structures in fields such as territorial ergonomy, experimental, economy, political design, and counterstrategy. Free and open to the public Location: SFAI Lecture hall, 800 Chestnut Street campus http://www.societerealiste.net/

October 31, 2008. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. A night at the movies, with DENNIS JAMES, organ! In 1925, this motion picture thrilled and terrified. This Halloween, more than 80 years later, it returns. Relive the golden days of early cinema with Lon Chaney in his classic role in The Phantom of the Opera. The musical accompaniment to this gem of the silent film era comes from our majestic 9,000-pipe Ruffatti organ, the largest conert hall organ in North America. Side and Center seats not available. Half price for ages 12 and younger. 8pm; $25. San Francisco Symphony. 415.864.6000 or http://sfsymphony.org for details.

DIABOLIQUE (1955) screened at the Alliance Française de San Francisco. Directed by Henri-Geourges Clouzot, starring Vera Clouzot and Paul Meurisse. Henri-Georges Clouzot helmed this icy masterwork of homicide and Grand Guignol suspense. Clouzot's real-life wife, Véra, portrays Christina Delasalle, ailing spouse of the sadistic headmaster (Paul Meurisse) of a moldering private boarding school. A ruthless lothario, he becomes the target of a murder plot concocted by his wife and his latest mistress, an icy teacher played by Simone Signoret. A dark, dank thriller with a much-imitated "shock" ending. The simple murder plot goes haywire, and Michel's corpse disappears, prompting strange rumors of his reappearance which grow more and more substantial as the film careens wildly towards its breathless conclusion. Soon other mysterious events begin to occur... Enjoy the latest releases from France sur le grand ecran and a glass of wine with AFSF ciné-philes and discussion en français. Straight from the AFSF Médiathèque. Second & fourth Wednesdays, 7:00pm. Sept 10, 24, Oct 8, 22, Tuesday Nov 11, 20 (exceptionally). Visit http://www.afsf.com for updates on featured films. Free. Alliance Française de San Francisco, 1345 Bush St., SF. 415.775.7755 or http://www.afsf.com for details. October 22, 2008.

FEAR(S) OF THE DARK. Special premiere screening of French animation. 7:30pm Blutch, Charles Burns, Marie Caillou, Pierre di Sciullo, Lorenzo Mattotti, Richard McGuire (Peur(s) du noir, France 2007) « With ultrarealistic techniques now possible, it is important to remember that animation is first and foremost art. Whether slick or rough, paint or pencil, or even originating from a computer, an image is carefully hand designed for every single frame of film. It is the ultimate work of a creator, personally using the drawn frame, chiaroscuro contrast, the angle of the light, and the line movement to tell a story. But it is also the duration of a shot, and what is and isn’t heard. It is the style of the art and the art of the storytelling that make Fear(s) of the Dark so wonderful» –Mike Plante, Sundance Film Festival. Location: Landmark’s Embarcadero Center Cinema, One Embarcadero Center, Promenade Level, San Francisco, CA 94111, (415) 267-4893 http://www.frenchculture.org/spip.php?article1787October 21, 2008.

ART

ARE YOU A SWISS VISUAL ARTIST SEEKING EXHIBITION SPACE?? Are you a Swiss visual artist interested in gaining some exposure for your works? If so, we may have an opportunity for you. The Consulate General of Switzerland in San Francisco has reserved the small gallery space in the foyer of our building, 456 Montgomery in San Francisco's Financial District, for the months of March and April. If showing your work here would be of interest to you, please email me, with jpegs of your work attached, if at all possible. martin.schwartz@eda.admin.ch See also: www.swissemb.org

October 17 & 18, 2008. SCULPTURE EXHIBITION – CORINNE GOBET AT ACTIVSPACE. Join local Swiss sculptor Corinne Gobet as she unveils some of her newest works at ACTIVSPACE in San Francisco. The pieces shown are clay figurative sculptures in various sizes and styles, created from live models and from Corinne's imagination. No RSVP is necessary, and admission is free. October 17, 6 to 9 p.m. October 18, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sculptures of Corinne Gobet ACTIVSPACE 3150 18th St. at Treat San Francisco, CA 94110 Second floor courtyard, accessible by elevator Contact: 415.515.3991.

October 18-November 16, 2008. INTERSECTIONS 4, a fiber art exhibition. fiber/DIMENSIONS announces Intersections 4 showcasing about 90 works, ranging from explosive miniatures to environmental illusions, that invite reflection on the practical, aesthetic and spiritual role of fiber in our lives. For this provocative exhibit and sale, a dazzling parade of supple materials are treated as "fiber." The art contains coffee filters and beer cans, acrylic and angora, silk and steel, credit cards and cable ties, wool and wood. By transforming everyday materials and giving them a fresh, often humorous identity, fiber/DIMENSIONS artists redefine traditional notions about fiber and art. This exhibition features the work of Swiss fiber artist Regula Allenspach Weill. October 18 - November 16 Fiber Dimensions Intersections 4 Herbst International Exhibition Hall Presidio of San Francisco, CA http://www.fiberdimensions.com/show/index.html

Through October 24, 2008. CHARLOTTE HUG’S “MY STREET.” Graphic Music Installation Swissnex San Francisco 730 Montgomery St. San Francisco, CA 415.912.5901 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. A conceptual exhibit environment, "My Street" pairs up Charlotte Hug's three-dimensional, post-improvisational graphic room scores (her "Sonicons", as she calls them) with the work of Bay Area photographer Kirstyn Russell. Hug and Russell first collaborated on the original "My Street" concept at the initiative of Rita Jurt, a Swiss violin teacher dedicated to creating improvisational musical setting for children, based on graphic musical notation. October 3, 2008, 7 p.m. Charlotte Hug's "My Street" exhibit opening and "Anderwelten" performance Hug, Russell and Jurt will present their work, with insights on how their work with kids applies to collaborative networks within contemporary, "grown-up" creation. Charlotte Hug will then perform "Anderwelten" (Other Worlds), a new score for viola and voice in which the musician directly interacts with the physicality of her Sonicons and of swissnex San Francisco's performance space. Opening event and performance are free but kindly RSVP on the Swissnex events page at http://swissnexsanfrancisco.org

October 27-29, 2008. ARTS OF FASHION 2008 – SF UNDER CREATIVE FASHION’S INFLUENCE The International Fashion Student Competition takes over the SFMOMA. Arts of Fashion 2008 will bring an international collection of fashion, art, ideas, and talents to San Francisco on October 25-29 at the Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) while the De Young Museum prepares the Nov. 1 public opening of the first retrospective covering Yves Saint Laurent’s 40 years of creativity. The Arts of Fashion Foundation invites the public to an exciting mix of debates, seminars, and presentations of collections including three New York based rising talents participating in the Debut Series (sponsored by YKK of America) and two rising stars featured in the CarteBlanche Series: Cathy Pill - invited guest of the Paris Haute Couture Presentations and Isabelle Steiger from Vienna - Hyeres International Fashion Festival 2008. In addition, the main focus of the event will be the entries by 68 fashion students selected for the final from 79 different fashion Schools and Universities from 23 different countries. These designers will present their creations related to this year's theme ‘Influence’ in the frame of a unique fashion show and display at the SFMOMA on Wed. October 29. Students selected by the professional international jury in San Francisco will be awarded with internships in prestigious and creative Fashion Houses such as as Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, Anne-Valerie Hash and Natalia Brilli in Paris, Veronique Branquinho in Antwerp and Wendy & Jim in Vienna. Different scholarships will be offered with the Schools of the Chambre Syndicale and Duperre Applied Arts School - Paris, as well as the La Cambre School of Visual Arts - Brussels. Among the international roster of nearly twenty talented and notable jurists will be: • Natalia Brilli – Creative director for Natalia Brilli – Paris • Susie Bubble – Commissioning fashion editor for Dazed and Confused, journalist and blogger – London • Aurore de La Morinerie – Fashion illustrator – Paris • Tony Delcampe – Director of La Cambre-Mode, Fashion School – Brussels • Laurent Edmond – First creative assistant for Martin Margiela – Paris • Ben Ospital – Owner of the Boutique MAC – Modern Appealing Clothing – San Francisco • Own – Menswear duo designers for Veronique Branquinho – Antwerp • Wendy&Jim – Creative fashion duo designers – Vienna The Arts of Fashion Foundation’s prestigious MasterClass-Series will begin it’s fourth rendition on October 25 to October 29. The Series is a great opportunity for students and young professionals to work with outstanding guest designers during 5 intensive days. Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that the work done during the intensive five day MasterClass-Series will also be presented during the Fashion Show at the SFMOMA. For a complete and detailed schedule of events, accommodation, as well as information and bios of participating jurists, please visit www.arts-of-fashion.org or contact Arts of Fashion President, Nathalie Doucet at 415-252-0734. The San Francisco Arts of Fashion 2008 is made possible by the support of YKK of America, Target Design Partnership Committee and the Arts of Fashion Foundation.

October 29, 2008. EXPLORING HUMAN FORMS: PORTRAITS AND FIGURES. Work by KAREN AZAR RUBIN & SHELLEY BROSSEAU. Public reception Friday Oct 3, 6:00-8:00pm. Runs through Oct 29. In this collection of figurative work and still life pieces, Azar-Rubin attempts to study the ways in which color and shape, “shape and color” each other. This illusive interplay is at work as objects resonate between 2 and 3 dimensions. Her fascination she attributes to the “conversational” music and dance of her Lebanese heritage and the lush, temperate landscape of her Louisiana upbringing. Free. Alliance Française de San Francisco, 1345 Bush St., SF. 415.775.7755 or http://www.afsf.com for details.

Opening November 1, 2008. YVES SAINT LAURENT. A collaboration with Fondation Pierre Berge-Yves Saint Laurent and the Montreal Museum of Art, this is a look at Yves Saint-Laurent's entire career. Approximately 135 fully accessorized ensembles, as well as the artist's original drawings and videos from the archives of the Foundation. De Young Museum, Golden Gate Park.

Through November 8, 2008. TWENTY-FIVE TREASURES, an exhibit including works by JEAN-AUGUSTE-DOMINIQUE INGRES and others. Paul Thiebaud Gallery, 718 Columbus Ave., SF. 415.434.3055 for details.

November 8-24, 2008. PASSION works by STEPHANE BLANCHARD. Works inspired by the artist’s life and little girl. Public reception, November 8, 6pm-8pm. Alliance Française de San Francisco, 1345 Bush St., SF. 415.775.7755 or http://www.afsf.com for details.

November 17-December 7, 2008. DESIGN PREIS SCHWEIZ EXHIBIT. Swissnex San Francisco hosts the Design Preis Schweiz exhibit for its first stop in the US. The exhibit is a showcase of award-winning and nominated projects, mainly from the fields of Product Design and Industrial Research. Held every two years, Design Preis Schweiz is a product of the Design Center Langenthal. It is a prestigious happening in the Swiss design industry, encouraging innovation, serving as a stimulator for market-oriented design ventures, and presenting design as a factor of market success. Innovation-fueled design and design-fueled innovation are emphasized through the 5 award categories: Market, Newcomer, Research, Swiss Textile Design and Swiss Product Design. The opening night event will include a reception and design talk with Pierre Keller, Yves Behar, Thomas Liebe, Frederic Dedelley, and Heidi Wegener. November 17 - December 7 Design Preis Schweiz Swissnex San Francisco 730 Montgomery Street San Francisco, CA 94111 November 20, 6 p.m. Opening event.

November 21, 2008 - March 1, 2009. NEW WORK: MAI-THU PERRET. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art For nearly a decade, Swiss artist Mai-Thu Perret has been developing The Crystal Frontier, a fictional account of a group of women who found a small, utopian community in the desert of southwestern New Mexico in an attempt to escape the impositions of capitalism. The nonlinear narrative is used as a springboard for Perret's art objects, which draw on a profusion of sources, from Russian avantgarde stage design to literature, French illustration, Busby Berkeley musicals, early 20th-century mysticism, and minimalism. Her interpretations of feminist and socialist subject matter reanimate issues typically associated with the 1960s and 1970s within a contemporary framework. This latest installation in her continually expanding project features new sculptures and ceramics, as well as wallpaper and a rough-hewn mannequin made of papier-mâché. This exhibition is sponsored by Pro Helvetia, the Swiss Arts Council. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art 151 Third Street (between Mission and Howard Streets) San Francisco, CA 94103 http://www.sfmoma.org/exhibitions/exhib_detail.asp?id=346 Telephone: 415.357.4000

Through December 2008. SCULPTURES BY SWISS ARTIST MONIKA STEINER. It's been a busy year for Monika Steiner, with numberous exhibitions and workshops in Switzerland and around the western US. Sculptures by Monika are now on display by Jan Casey & Associates at 425 Market St. in San Francisco, alongside paintings by Daniel Tousignant. Through December Sculptures by Monika Steiner Jan Casey & Associates 425 Market St. San Francisco, CA http://caseyandassociatessf.com/current_exhibits/425_market_street.html

Through December 7, 2008. THE ELOQUENCE OF HANDS, including works by RODIN and others. Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University, Lomita Drive & Museum Way, Stanford University, Palo Alto. 650.723.4177 or http://www.museum.stanford.edu for details.

Through December 13, 2008. THE WIZARD OF OZ, CCA WATTIS, Opening Reception Tuesday September 2, 2008 Lower Gallery, Logan Galleries, CCA Wattis Institute, San Francisco The Wizard of Oz is a unique exhibition featuring the work of 20 international artists. It takes L. Frank Baum's popular novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz as its starting point to examine the relationship between art and literature, our idea of home and place, as well as the cultural and social fabric of America itself. Featuring French artists LORIS GRELAUD and DOMINIQUE GONZALEZ-FOERSTER. Grélaud will attend the opening reception on September 2 http://www.frenchculture.org/spip.php?article1494 "The Wizard of Oz" is supported by the Cultural Services of the French Consulate in San Francisco.

Through January 4, 2009. IN THE BEGINNING: ARTISTS RESPOND TO GENESIS. Works by contemporary artists alongside works by MARC CHAGALL and others. Contemporary Jewish Museum, 763 Mission, SF. http://www.thecjm.org for details.

Through January 4, 2008. SWISS COLLECTOR ULI SIGG exhibits MAHJONG at the Berkeley Art Museum. Coming this fall to BAM/PFA, the landmark exhibition Mahjong: Contemporary Chinese Art from the Sigg Collection offers a unique window onto the past four decades of art and culture in China. Presenting 141 works by 96 artists, the exhibition reveals both the myriad changes in Chinese art and the extraordinary transformations in Chinese society that have taken place in the last forty years. Mahjong is drawn from the collection of former ambassador Uli Sigg, a Swiss collector whose longstanding ties to China have enabled him to build a collection of unrivaled quality, size, and scope. Filling nine of BAM's ten galleries with a selection of exceptional paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, video works, and installations, Mahjong represents the first time that a significant number of works from the Sigg Collection have been seen in the Americas. September 10 - January 4 Berkeley Art Museum 2626 Bancroft Way Berkeley, CA http://www.bampfa.berkeley.edu/exhibition/mahjong or 510.642.0808.

Through January 18, 2009. THE STATE MUSEUMS OF BERLIN AND THE LEGACY OF JAMES SIMON. California Palace of the Legion of Honor, 34th & Clement Sts., San Francisco. 415.750.3600 or http://www.legionofhonor.org for details.

Ongoing. SURREALISM: SELECTIONS FROM THE REVA AND DAVID LOGAN COLLECTION OF ILLUSTRATED BOOKS. California Palace of the Legion of Honor, Lincoln Park, 34th & Clement, SF. 415.750.3600 for details.

On-going. A NEW 19TH CENTURY : THE MONDAVI FAMILY GALLERY REINSTALLED. Reconfigured 19th century European and American collections. Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University. Lomita Drive and Museum Way, Stanford University, Palo Alto. 650.723.4177 or http://museum.stanford.edu for details.

On-going. MODERN EUROPEAN MASTERS, including MATISSE, PICASSO, CHAGALL and more. Meyerovich Gallery, 251 Post, SF. 415.421.7171 or http://meyerovich.com for details.

On-going. MATISSE AND BEYOND: THE PAINTING AND SCULPTURE COLLECTION. SF Museum of Modern Art. Magnificent works of painting and sculpture culled from SFMOMA's own collections provide a quick tour of modern art from Fauvism to Minimalism. Daily. Exhibition tells the story of modern and contemporary art including landmark works by MATISSE, BOURGEOIS and others. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, 151 Third St., San Francisco. 415.357.4000 or www.sfmoma.org

ARTS OF FASHION. Yearly competition brings guest designers from PARIS and BRUXELLES to work with and select prizes for United States fashion students. The grand prizes offered to the US fashion students are internships in high profile fashion design houses as Castelbajac or Anne Valerie Hash or the school of the Chambre syndicale in Paris... Or Brussels for La Cambre or Antwerp for Veronique Branquinho or Vienna for Wendy&Jim... Contact: Nathalie Doucet, President Arts of Fashion Foundation, 635 Tennessee Street Suite # 402, San Francisco CA 94107. Tel 415 252 0734 http://www.af-competition.com or http://www.myspace.com/artsoffashion

FLORENCE DE BRETAGNE. Florence de Bretagne is a French painter and photographer. Her work is full of joy and very colorful. It has always something to do with new life : imaginary plants that are flourishing, blossoms, seeds. It seems that nature is new and beautiful like new-born babies. She took abstract pictures of fruits and vegetables (a very poetic book, "Semence", is still available), she made paintings on trees and imaginary plants, and many others. You can see her work either in the SFMOMA gallery at Fort Mason, or in her atelier (756 Garland Drive in Palo Alto), or else on her website : http://www.florencedebretagne.com

CLASSES

Coming soon! CLASSES on COMEDY IN CONTEMPORARY FRENCH CINEMA. You never thought taking classes could be this much fun! The Alliance Francaise will offer a 10-week class (in English): "Comedy in Contemporary French Cinema", taught by Prof. Kevin Elstob, who has led so many interesting discussions at past Film Festivals. Tuition: $210/$380 for couples For more information, call 916-453-1723 or http://www.afdesacramento.org/

October 27-December 19, 2008. FRENCH LANGUAGE SCHOOL AT THE ALLIANCE FRANCAISE DE SANTA ROSA. Classes for beginners, advanced beginners, intermediate, and advanced students, as well as conversation classes and advanced theme classes. For registration and details, please contact the director at herve@afsantarosa.org or 707.543.8151.

October 29-December 20, 2008. CLASSES AT THE ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE DE BERKELEY. Schedule online, http://www.afberkeley.org for details.

Through November 7, 2008. FRENCH THROUGH CUISINE. Join French instructor JULIE FORNAGE and chef CHRISTINE PICCIN for a French language and cooking class in one! Each class, taught in French, will provide lessons in grammar, vocabulary and conversation skills while you create a fabulous French meal. Friday evenings, 6pm-10:15pm, SRJC Culinary Arts Center, downtown Santa Rosa. Suitable for beginning to intermediate speakers, but more advanced speakers will have fun, too. From Boeuf Bourguignon to Crêpes Suzette, come cook with us, en français. French 120 – Secction #3898. Completion of French 50A or knowledge of beginning French is required; class fee $100. SRJC enrollment fees applicable at registration time. http://www.santarosa.edu or christine@piccin.com or 707.535.0161.

December 15 to 19, 2008. 5 DAY INTENSIVE IMMERSION PROGRAMS. All levels are offered (separately). Classes are 3 hours per day, either in the morning 9 to 12, in the afternoon 1 to 4 or in the evening 6 to 9 for 5 days. $275. $20 off if paid 7 days before the intensive course begins! Sign up now! The French Class - www.frenchclass.com . 500 Sutter Street, Ste. 310, SF, CA. 94102. (415) 362-3666. info@frenchclass.com

January 5-March 6, 2009. FRENCH LANGUAGE SCHOOL AT THE ALLIANCE FRANCAISE DE SANTA ROSA. Classes for beginners, advanced beginners, intermediate, and advanced students, as well as conversation classes and advanced theme classes. For registration and details, please contact the director at herve@afsantarosa.org or 707.543.8151.

March 9-May 8, 2009. FRENCH LANGUAGE SCHOOL AT THE ALLIANCE FRANCAISE DE SANTA ROSA. Classes for beginners, advanced beginners, intermediate, and advanced students, as well as conversation classes and advanced theme classes. For registration and details, please contact the director at herve@afsantarosa.org or 707.543.8151.

May 11-July 10, 2009. FRENCH LANGUAGE SCHOOL AT THE ALLIANCE FRANCAISE DE SANTA ROSA. Classes for beginners, advanced beginners, intermediate, and advanced students, as well as conversation classes and advanced theme classes. For registration and details, please contact the director at herve@afsantarosa.org or 707.543.8151.

eLYCEE is pleased to announce the opening of its new Minischool, with weekly French classes for kids aged 9 and 10. Based on our popular Maintien de la Langue classes for French-speaking students in the USA, our Minischool gives younger kids access to our unique virtual classroom. Our native French teachers encourage production and creativity, bringing the language and the culture to life in 90-minute total immersion sessions. In our relaxed learning environment, students develop their language skills and confidence, they work together, and - best of all - they love it. It's a brand new way to learn French for Life. For more information, visit www.elycee.com

eLYCEE also offers a range of online courses to choose from, including, for Middle School & High School students: private tutorials, Summer Camp, AP classes; for College students: private tutorials, workshops, French Club, AP classes, online OuLiPo workshops; for Adults: private tutorials, workshops, French Club, online OuLiPo workshops; and OuLiPo’s online ‘Ateliers d’Ecriture’ are available online for the first time ever; ONLY with eLycée. Visit our website: http://www.elycee.com/ If you would like to know more about this innovative program of after school classes, please contact Julian Hirst at julian.hirst@elycee.com, or +1 877 624 5330.

POUR TOUS LES PETITS: A CLASS FOR KIDS at the Alliance Française de Santa Rosa. With native speaker EVELYNE WHITMAN. To register, contact the director at herve@afsantarosa.org or call 707.543.8151. Saturdays, 11am-12pm.

FRENCH WINE CLASSES. The French Wine Society is offering French wine classes in San Francisco. Each class will be an in-depth lecture of a particular region including a tasting of six carefully selected fine wines to illustrate the regions character. These classes should not be missed. They represent a unique opportunity to increase your knowledge and enjoyment of French wine. Eric Lecours, Regional Director of the French Wine Society Bay Area, will be instructing the classes. He is a Certified Wine Educator and holds a Diploma in Wine & Spirits from the WSET. He is also one of only 20 Americans to be certified by the region of Bordeaux as an official instructor, having been sponsored by the Bordeaux Wine Council to attend a weeklong educational program in Bordeaux last year. He continues his studies and is working toward his Masters of Wine, the most respected qualification in the Wine Industry. For more information and registration: http://www.frenchwinesociety.org

COOKING CLASSES IN FRANCE OFFERED BY FORMER BAY AREA RESIDENT Philippe Gion. http://www.ArtandCookingClassesinFrance.com Philippe Gion was a resident of San Francisco from 1986 to 2001, then time shared between the US and Provence. Owner & chef of the restaurant "Café Landais" (1986-1990) then, manager of the restaurant of the "Alliance Fançaise,” he was also Executive Chef at Stanford University ("East House Residency", 1997- 2000). He was a member of the Board of Director at the "Lycée Français Lapérouse" (1988-1991) and creator of the first French Ciné-Club in San Francisco ("Alliance Française Ciné-Club" with the partnership of the Lycée Français). In 1996, Philippe Gion founded "Art and Cooking Classes in France" dedicated to bringing to our Anglo-Saxons friends and gourmets the best of the joie de vivre in France and, most of all, an attractive approach of the traditional French gastronomy in Provence.

FRENCH AT CASTRO VALLEY ADULT SCHOOL. Castro Valley Adult School is offering Beginning and Intermediate French on Monday evenings. Beginners 6:30 pm-8:30 pm; Intermediates 5:30 pm-7:30 pm. Come and practice French in a low-key, fun atmosphere. Helpful for travelers looking for survival French. Heavy emphasis on cultural topics. The intermediate class offers good practice for those with some experience in French. Additional out-of-class activities such as dinner outings, wine tastings, picnics, etc. will also be offered. Reasonable course fees. Call Castro Valley Adult School for more details: 510.886.1000.

FRENCH FOR FUN. French For Fun, a well-known language and cultural center in the East Bay, has long been a meeting ground for Francophone and Francophile parents. Recently relocated to a newer, larger facility, we’d like to invite you to come and check us out! We have a brand new Baby Circle for one-year-olds on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00 – 10:30 and an ongoing Moms n’Tots program for toddlers on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 – 10:30. You don’t need an appointment. The first lesson is always free. Drop in and while you’re here feel free to browse our videothèque and library of French children’s books. We’d love to meet you! Madame@FrenchForFun.com or www.FrenchForFun.com

PARIS VERSION A LA FRANCAISE. Week-long French Culture and Language Seminar in Paris, various dates available. Enjoy speaking French in unknown and new Parisian surroundings : French classes in the morning, cultural and gourmet workshops or strolls through the real Paris in the afternoon. Paris Version à la Française ; http://www.parisvf.com for more details.

FRENCH CLASSES FOR LITTLE ONES IN SAN FRANCISCO. Contact: Jean et Marie store & Maisonette Playroom : Coordonnées: 510.759.1224 - ingrid@maisonettesf.com. Jean et Marie is proud to announce to offer its French immersion program for kids in its playroom, Maisonette. Language study is best started when very young, and that's why we decided to offer this opportunity to little ones as young as 2. Activities for each hour-and-a-half class include games, singing and dancing, puppets, drawing, and storytelling, all in French. For more information, come by the store, at 100 Clement Street, see: www.maisonettesf.com or call 510.759.1224.

THE INTERNATIONAL FRENCH CLUB. Going to France soon or you want to speak French like a French person? Join the International French Club. Savoir faire. Besides text and exercise books, all classes include the use of material that will expose you to the wide variety of the French-speaking world; among others, French news, French movies, novels, songs and cartoons. You will also be invited to participate in team work, games and role-plays that will express what you have learned. Free evaluation. Before signing up for a class, we will schedule a meeting to evaluate your writing and oral level, and to listen to your objectives in order to place you in the appropriate class and level. Contact Nathalie today at: 415.756.2531 info@ifrenchclub.com Beginner Classes :: Intermediate Classes :: Advanced Classes

FRENCH LANGUAGE INSTITUTE. Learn French at your own pace. French for children, adults and corporate in private or small classes. French Language Institut offers flexibility, fun, customized programs, library, newest educative material, CNED, craft sessions, trip to France and much more! Visit us @ http://www.FL-Institut.com or write to frenchteachers@siliconfrench.com.

LANGUAGES INSTITUTE INC. Languages Institute Inc. is comprised of a team of 8 experienced teachers. All our teachers are native French speakers, passionate about the language and earned a Bachelor or Master's degree. They have much experience to make your learning fun, pleasant and efficient! 1100 East Hamilton Avenue, #3, Campbell, CA. 408.377.1113 or 408.833.9620 or Info@Frenchin.Org or http://www.frenchin.org

November 2-3, 2008. LOUISE BOURGEOIS: THE SPIDER, THE MISTRESS AND THE TANGERINE. The San Francisco premiere of a new documentary devoted to the sculptor. Red Vic Movie House, 1727 Haight, SF. 415.668.3994 or http://www.redvicmoviehouse.com for details.

November 3-7, 2008. PARIS VERSION A LA FRANCAISE. Week-long French Culture and Language Seminar in Paris (other dates available) Enjoy speaking French in an unknown and new Parisian surrounding : French classes in the morning, cultural and gourmet workshops or strolls through the real Paris in the afternoon. Paris Version à la Française ; http://www.parisvf.com for more details.

November 5, 2008. HOLIDAY CHAMPAGNES! A class offered at The French Cellar -- Regional Wines & Objects from France. Classes listed above will be held on Wednesday evenings at 7 PM for approximately 2 hours and are limited to 16 participants. The cost of classes including 8 wines or Champagnes for tasting, is $60 per person, except for Deluxe, Champagne and Chocolats Noirs & The Red Wines of Bordeaux classes, which are $90 per person. A selection of French cheeses, pâté and fruit will be served buffet-style for your enjoyment and to relate the wine to food during our tasting. Reservations should be booked in advance with a credit card and cancellations must be made within 24 hours of each class for a refund. We look forward to you joining us in discovering great wine finds from France! 32 East Main Street, Los Gatos CA 95030, tel 408.354.0993 or fax 408.354.2723 or www.thefrenchcellar.com for details.

November 5, 2008. TOUMANI DIABATE from Mali performs in the SAN FRANCISCO JAZZ FESTIVAL. Herbst Theatre . 11am. 415.788.7353 or http://sfjazz.org or 866.920.JAZZ.

November 7, 2008. PRIVATE TOUR OF THE FORTY-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE OF THE WORK OF YVES-SAINT LAURENT. Join AFSF members & their guests for a private, docent led tour of the de Young Museum’s exclusive United States presentation of this special exhibition. Yves Saint Laurent celebrates the life of Yves Saint Laurent and showcases forty years of creativity by the Maison Haute Couture Yves Saint Laurent, whose unique style blends references to the world of art with allusions to pop culture and social revolutions.
Virtuoso. Visionary. Genius. These are just some of the words used to describe the late Yves Saint Laurent, master couturier and fashion pioneer.
$26 AFSF members & their guests (includes private tour and special exhibit entry). 415.775.7755 or http://www.afsf.com for details.

November 7, 2008. WOMEN, ART & THE LAW IN CEZANNE’ QUARRY. Conférence in English by the author BARBARA CORRADO POPE. The author of the highly acclaimed historical mystery will read from her novel and talk about the historical reality behind such intriguing characters as the free-thinking Solange Vernet, the young judge Bernard Martin, and of course, the artist Paul Cézanne.Dr. Pope has a PhD in the Social and Intellectual History of Europe, has written numerous articles on the history of women, and was the founding director of the Women’s and Gender Studies Program at the University of Oregon. 7pm. Alliance Française de Berkeley, 2004 Woolsey Street, Berkeley.

November 8, 2008. SONOMA COUNTY CHORAL SOCIETY presents TRANSATLANTICA: FRENCH AND AMERICAN SACRED MUSIC. With Christopher Fritzsche, countertenor, and Charles Rus, organ. Program includes two sacred cantatas by ANDRE CAMPRA as well as the American spiritual and folk music of Appalachia. Holy Family Episcopal Church, 1500 E. Cotati Avenue, Rohnert Park. 8pm. $12 General; $10 FANS; $8 Seniors/Students; SSU students Free. 707.664.2353 or http://www.brownpapertickets.com for details.

November 8, 2008. RECEPTION:PASSION works by STEPHANE BLANCHARD. Works inspired by the artist’s life and little girl. Public reception, November 8, 6pm-8pm. Alliance Française de San Francisco, 1345 Bush St., SF. 415.775.7755 or http://www.afsf.com for details.

November 8, 2008. PENINSULA FRENCH FAIR: A DAY IN FRANCE. The second edition of the Peninsula French Fair, A Day in France, will take place on Saturday, November 8th, in downtown Los Altos at the Hillview Community Center from 10am to 6pm, 97 Hillview Avenue, Los Altos, CA 94022. This is a great opportunity to discover a wide range of original French products in a same location. A great opportunity to start your Christmas shopping and enjoy for lunch or snack our authentic savory or sweet crepes! From home decoration and paintings to jewelry, from handmade clothes to children toys, from gourmet food to a selection of items from Provence, you will discover a whole selection of products that captures the essence of France. Would you like to go to France? Come to the fair and talk with our travel consultant who will be happy to personalize your itinerary; need real estate advice? Meet our realtor and find answers to all your questions. 10% of all the sales will benefit Partners for New Generation. http://frenchfair2008.blogspot.com Free Admission. www.saveurdujour.com

November 9, 2008. EUROPEAN SOIREE. Meet other internationally-minded people in a convivial cross-cultural atmosphere. If you feel cosmopolitan and want to make interesting new friends, have substantial conversations, practice your language skills or just have fun, come join us! Drop in when you can and stay for as long as you want. Newcomers are welcome. Come on your own or with a friend. You'll discover a friendly group where mingling is mandatory! The soiree starts late-afternoon to allow people to dine together afterwards if they so choose. Find out the details and sign up for this free San Francisco event at http://euro.meetup.com/80/. Meetup registration is quick and free. BAY AREA FRIENDS OF EUROPE "Where Europeans and Europhiles can meet and make friends." http://www.bafoe.org/

November 10 & 18 & December 4, 2008. SWISS WRITERS LECTURE AT UC BERKELEY. With the support of this Consulate and the Swiss Center of Competence for Cultural Foreign Policy, Prof. Jeroen Dewulf has organized a course at UC Berkeley entitled "Multicultural Identity in Europe - The Swiss Model." In the context of the course, three prominent Swiss writers will come to Berkeley to discuss the future of the Swiss model in a globalized world, the Swiss relationship towards the European Union, immigration as a challenge and as an incitement to rethink the question of what it means to be Swiss in the 21th century. Each guest will interpret the Swiss model from a different cultural perspective: the author Hugo Loetscher represents a cultural perspective, Roger de Weck, publicist and director of the Graduate Institute of International Studies in Geneva, will reflect on Swiss identity from a political perspective, and author Iso Camartin will focus on Swiss multilingualism?. Each guest will give a public lecture (in English) at the Townsend Center, UC Berkeley campus, on the topic, Multicultural Identity in Europe - the Swiss model, which will be the basis of a debate on the future of Switzerland in Europe. Multicultural Identity in Europe - the Swiss Model Townsend Center, Geballe Room, UC Berkeley Roger de Weck November 10, 6 p.m. Iso Camartin November 18, 6 p.m. Hugo Loetscher December 4, 6 p.m. The public lectures listed above will be followed by a small reception hosted by this Consulate.

November 12, 2008. LITERARY TRAVELS IN AVIGNON WITH AUTHOR & AFSF PROFESSOR DANIEL VITAGLIONE. Nestled on the banks of the Rhone Avignon, the former City of the Popes, also boasts a rich literary past. For centuries the Troubadours wrote and sang their poems in Provencal there. Petrarch lived and worked in Avignon and it is there that Frederic Mistral and Joseph Roumanille met and lauched the Provencal Renaissance in the middle of the 19th century. The river Rhone inspired Alphonse Daudet and Henri Bosco while the city’s rich historical past intrigued and fascinated scores of writers. Charles Dickens, Stendhal, Willa Cather, Henry James, George Eliot, Ezra Pound, and Lawrence Durrell visited there, lured by its distinct charm and magic. Author, professor, and scholar, Daniel Vitaglione re-introduces us to the forgotten literary soul of Provence: Avignon. $5 AFSF / $8 general public. Alliance Française de San Francisco, 1345 Bush St., SF. 415.775.7755 or http://www.afsf.com for details.

November 13, 2008. LEGAL BOOTCAMP. The French-American Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us for itsLegal Bootcamp, November 13th - We are looking for participants! Winston & Strawn LLP - 101 California Street, San Francisco Does your business face an urgent legal dilemma? Unsure of the state's regulations or of what action to take? Then this Bootcamp is designed for you! Through the examination of case studies presented by participants, the Bootcamp will facilitate a concrete and hands-on discussion of today's legal issues - helping the volunteer companies get started on the way to success. The main objectives of this event are to share experiences through an analysis of your own company; to discuss shared problems; to exchange with our experts and find solutions for your company! - Participate as one of our four candidates: You will have the opportunity to present your company's specific tax concerns. Our experts will offer practical solutions for your own case! - or as one of our attendees: You will have the opportunity to have practical examples and cases, and to exchange with other attendees facing the same issues as you are, and to benefit the experience of our experts! Our experts: Christine Hoefliger Winston & Strawn LLP Eve Chaurand-Fraser Senior Legal Counsel, IAC Search & Media Registration Information here $30 for Members/ $50 for Non-Members. Contact: Carole Granade - Executive Director - carole@faccsf.com, French American Chamber of Commerce, 703 Market Street, Suite 450 San Francisco, CA 94103. Tel: (415) 442 4717 - Fax: (415) 442 4621 or www.faccsf.com for details.

November 13-16, 2008. SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION FESTIVAL. Various venues. 415.561.5000 or http://www.sffs.org for details.

November 14 & 16, 2008. VIOLETTE (Chabrol, 1978). The first collaboration of Chabrol with Isabelle Huppert. Violette Nozière was a pretty and dissolute French working class girl who, in 1933, at the age of 19, became nationally famous for a scandalous crime… 11/14 at 7pm and 11/16 at 4pm. Warren Auditorium, Ives Hall, Sonoma State University,1801 E. Cotati Avenue, Rohnert Park. 707.664.2606 or http://www.sonoma.edu/sfi ($5 general admission, $4.50 non SSU students with ID, seniors and SSU faculty and staff; $3.50 SFI members, Lifelong Learning Members and children under 12. FREE for SSU students with ID. Discount tickets 5 films for $20/$18.

November 14, 2008-January 4, 2009. THE ARABIAN NIGHTS, based on the book by GALLANT. A reanimation of the 18th-century French legend by MARY ZIMMERMAN. To save her life, a beautiful bride must spin hypnotic tales of genies, jesters, thieves and kings, winning her freedom by eventually winning her husband's heart. As he falls under Scheherazade's spell, Zimmerman enchants the audience as well with her signature style that transforms simplicity into the sublime. Amidst a thousand tales of honor, revenge, and honor, only love emerges victorious. Berkeley Rep. 510.647.2949 or http://berkeleyrep.org for details.

November 15, 2008. DJOLIBA ENSEMBLE OF MALI performs at Marin Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. 8pm. $18-$40. 415.499.6800 or http://www.marincenter.org for details.

November 15, 2008. MESSIAEN ILLUMINATED – CHAMBERBRIDGE AT OLD FIRST CHURCH. In the tradition of the French salons of the early 20th Century, the musicians of the voice and piano duo ChamberBridge (Swiss-American Lara Bruckmann, soprano, and local Swiss Eva-Maria Zimmermann, piano) have invited some of their favorite creative minds to join them for a day of music, poetry, art, and innovation at Old First Concerts in San Francisco. At this one-time special event, ChamberBridge's unique signature twist on the traditional recital will treat their audience to an insider's guided tour of one specific neighborhood in the vast ocean of "classical" music: the work of French composer Olivier Messiaen and his profound influence on later composers. November 15 Concerts at 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 8 p.m. Ondes Martinot demonstration at 4:30 p.m. ChamberBridge: Messiaen Illuminated Old First Concerts 1751 Sacramento St. San Francisco, CA 94109

November 16-December 7, 2008. SAN FRANCISCO OPERA stages LA BOHEME, a mix of romantic passion, poignant tragedy, and high-spirited fun, set in Paris. http://sfopera.com or 415.864.3330 for details.

November 17, 2008. HOT CLUB OF SAN FRANCISCO perfoms Django Reinhardt-inspired jazz at Yoshi’s in San Francisco. 415.655.5600 or http://www.yoshis.com for details.

November 18, 2008. MEET THE AUTHOR: I’LL NEVER BE FRENCH (NO MATTER HOW HARD I TRY” – MARK GREENSIDE. When Mark Greenside is dragged by his soon-to-be-ex-girlfriend to Finistere, Brittany, his working retreat turned into a semi-permanent stay and second home. Greenside searches in vain for bay leaf at a street market, not realizing it grows wild throughout the region; and becomes the customer every shop owner dreads when he first walks onto their premises.Told with enormous affection for the Bretons and their culture, and observations about the many distinctions between Americans, French, and Bretons. Greenside’s stories have appeared in The Sun, The Literary Review, Cimarron Review, The Nebraska Review, Five Fingers Review and The Long Story. Free. Alliance Française de San Francisco, 1345 Bush St., SF. 415.775.7755 or http://www.afsf.com for details.

November 20, 2008. ISABELLE GARRON with Sarah Riggs and Eleni Sikelianos at SFSU Poetry Center, November 20, 4:30pm Isabelle Garron (b. 1968) lives and works in Paris. Her first book, Face devant contre (acclaimed by Guy Bennett as “one of the most compelling works of French poetry to have been published in recent years”), is newly out in the U.S. in a translation by Sarah Riggs— Face Before Against (Litmus Press, 2008). Since February 2005, Isabelle Garron has participated in the weekly radio show, Peinture Fraiche (France Culture). Sarah Riggs is a poet, translator, and visual artist, who lives in France. She is the author of Waterwork (Chax Press, 2007), 28 telegrammes and 60 textos (translation by Francoise Valéry), and Chain of Miniscule Decisions in the Form of a Feeling (Reality Street Editions ,2007). Eleni Sikelianos is the author of seven books, including The Book of Jon (City Lights), The California Poem (Coffee House) and, most recently, Body Clock (Coffee House Press, 2008). Forthcoming is her translation of Jacques Roubaud’s Exchanges on Light. At present, she teaches in and directs the Creative Writing Program at the University of Denver. Location: the Poetry Center, HUM 512, SFSU.

November 21 & 23, 2008. NOTE BY NOTE. Fascinating documentary following a Steinway grand piano in its long and complex journey from forest floor to concert hall. Many interviews with the musicians who discuss the unique relationship between instrument and artist, including PIERRE-LAURENT AIMARD and HELENE GRIMAUD. 11/21 at 7pm and 11/23 at 4pm. Warren Auditorium, Ives Hall, Sonoma State University,1801 E. Cotati Avenue, Rohnert Park. 707.664.2606 or http://www.sonoma.edu/sfi ($5 general admission, $4.50 non SSU students with ID, seniors and SSU faculty and staff; $3.50 SFI members, Lifelong Learning Members and children under 12. FREE for SSU students with ID. Discount tickets 5 films for $20/$18.

November 22, 2008. LA SOIREE ~ THE 27TH BEAUJOLAIS & BEYOND FESTIVAL. The French-American Chamber of Commerce is pleased to invite you to the biggest French wine festival in town: La Soirée The 27th Beaujolais & Beyond Festival Saturday, November 22nd, 2008 The Hyatt Regency Hotel 5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco 5:30pm - 9:30pm Celebrate the release of the First French wine of the year at the annual benefit for the French-American Chamber of Commerce! If you can't make it to France in time for the traditional celebration of the uncorking of the first wine of the year, join us with an estimated 1000 guests for an evening of celebration right here in San Francisco! La Soirée From 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm Revel in an amazing variety of food and wine! A fantastic Silent auction with specialty items from the Bay Area and beyond! A delightful Fashion Show sponsored by Porto Boutique - an importer of women's fashion collections from France and Italy Dancing and entertainment by DJ Melvin J! Stay with us for dancing at L'After from 9:30pm! This is a time to celebrate the harvest in a grandiose atmosphere of a French Food and Wine Tasting! Enjoy the fun and exciting Fashion Show and Silent Auction! $50 for Members $60 for Non Members $70 after November 7th Be the first to buy 20 tickets and get one free night in a SF hotel! Forget about driving back home and enjoy a night in a wonderful downtown hotel! Dancing at L'After 9:30pm $10 at the door + cash bar. French-American Chamber of Commerce 703 Market Street, Suite 450, San Francisco, CA 94103 Tel: 415 442 4717 / Fax 415 442 4621.. Information: Tel : 415-442-4717 or Email : info@faccsf.com or Website : www.faccsf.com . Purchase tickets at www.faccsf.com or call: (415) 442-4717. (Member: 50$ Non member: 60$ at the door: 70$)

November 22, 2008. BERLIOZ’s LA DAMNATION DE FAUST at the New York Metropolitan Opera, screened at the Lark Theater, http://www.larktheater.net/. 2h45 min.

November 22, 2008. EAST VILLAGE OPERA COMPANY performs popular scores from CARMEN, TURANDOT and more. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St., Napa. $45. 707.226.7372 or http://www.nvoh.org for details.

November 23, 2008. EUROPEAN EXPAT GATHERING. Meet other internationally-minded people in a convivial cross-cultural atmosphere. If you feel cosmopolitan and want to make interesting new friends, have substantial conversations, practice your language skills or just have fun, come join us! Drop in when you can and stay for as long as you want. Newcomers are welcome. Come on your own or with a friend. You'll discover a friendly group where mingling is mandatory! The gathering starts late-afternoon to allow people to dine together afterwards if they so choose. Find out the details and sign up for this free San Francisco event at http://euro.meetup.com/80/. Meetup registration is quick and free. BAY AREA FRIENDS OF EUROPE "Where Europeans and Europhiles can meet and make friends." http://www.bafoe.org/

November 25, 2008. FREDERIC DEDELLEY: DESIGN DETECTIVE. Switzerland's "Design Detective" Frederic Dedelley takes listeners on a journey to the heart of design: seeing and perceiving. In this talk event accompanying the Design Preis Schweiz/Swiss Design Award exhibition, the renowned Zurich-based product designer will illustrate the process of transforming every day impressions and images into new objects. A crucial exploration of design thought, based on the recently published Design Detective (Lars Mueller Publishers). The exhibition and events are free, but please RSVP through the swissnex events page at http://swissnexsanfrancisco.org/activities/events 6pm.

November 28, 2008. M83, the FRENCH ELECTRONIC MUSIC ACT that perfectly reconstructed the soundtrack of 80s movies starring Molly Ringwald (according to the SF Chronicle pink pages!) on its latest album, SATURDAYS – YOUTH, perform at The Fillmore, 1805 Geary Blvd., San Francisco. 415.421.8497 or http://www.livenation.com for details.

December 8-12, 2008. PARIS VERSION A LA FRANCAISE. Week-long French Culture and Language Seminar in Paris (other dates available) Enjoy speaking French in an unknown and new Parisian surrounding : French classes in the morning, cultural and gourmet workshops or strolls through the real Paris in the afternoon. Paris Version à la Française ; http://www.parisvf.com for more details.

January 2009. SAN FRANCISCO ETHNIC DANCE FESTIVAL AUDITIONS. In January, World Arts West will be holding auditions for the annual San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, held at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. Should any Swiss groups in Northern California be interested in taking part, please refer to www.worldartswest.org for the appliacation and guidelines.

January 16, 2009. THE HOT CLUB OF SAN FRANCISCO perform at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. Travel back to the 1930s to the small, smoky jazz clubs of Paris or the refined lounges of the Hotel Ritz. Often called gypsy jazz, the music of The Hot Club of San Francisco has entranced audiences around the globe for over 10 years. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. 707.546.8742 or http://www.wellsfargocenterarts.org for details. 8pm; pre-show discussion at 7pm.

April 17 & 18, 2009. CONFRONTING NAPOLEON: EUROPEAN CULTURE AT THE CROSSROADS. The French Revolution unleashed institution-shattering forces. Napoleon successfully refocused these forces on Europe, and the French tide swept over the continent, and event across the Mediterranean, leaving the remnants of many anciens régimes refashioned in its wake. Napoleon invaded Egypt yet crafted enlightened policy sympathetic to Islam, resurrected Roman civil law, inspired Beethoven, challenged Goethe and Tolstoy to think again, and bankrolled a return to grandeur in the fine arts. France's reassertion of cultural preeminence varied from uncritical enthusiasm to repugnance, from the love-hate with the Russian aristocracy to British resistance to both armies and cultural influence Friday, April 17, 8:00 pm - 10:15 pm: Steven Englund (Directeur d’études, Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales and Distinguished Professor at the American University of Paris--New York University) introduces Napoleon and examines the man, the general, and the Emperor. Michael Marrinan (Professor of Art History, Stanford University) follows with an illustrated survey of the arts under Napoleon, demonstrating that aesthetic productions of the Empire mirror the myriad political contradictions of their patron. Saturday, April 18, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm: Laurent Mayali (Lloyd M. Robbins Professor of Law, UC Berkeley Law School) lectures on the civil law reforms instituted by Napoleon, and the other positive cultural legacies of his short-lived empire. Luba Golburt (Assistant Professor of Russian literature, UC Berkeley) will trace some of the stages of Napoleon's dethronement as depicted in Tolstoy’s great novel War and Peace, examining the character's physique and mannerisms, his mistaken notions of hero-centered warfare, and the contrasting models of leadership. Juan Cole (Richard P. Mitchell Distinguished University Professor of History, University of Michigan) discusses the painters who, in subsequent decades, took up the themes of Bonaparte's Egyptian conquest, some glorifying French dominance and others depicting the barbarity of Bonaparte’s military policies. Pianist Teresa Yu, San Francisco Conservatory, performs “Ludwig Von Beethoven on Napoleon: The Eroica Variations.” 415.392.4400 or http://www.humanitieswest.org for details.

April 18-25, 2008. PHILHARMONIA BAROQUE ORCHSTRA performs HANDEL’S ATHALIA, based on the 17th-century author JEAN RACINE’S play of the same name. 415.392.4400 or http://www.philharmonia.org for details.

May 15, 2009. A NIGHT OF OPERA FAVORITES, including numbers by GOUNOD. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. 707.546.8742 or http://www.wellsfargocenterarts.org for details.

Early 2010, but I just can’t wait to annonce it! JEAN RACINE’S PHEDRE. Seana McKenna will star in the title role of American Conservatory Theater's production of Jean Racine's play Phèdre, to be presented in Timberlake Wertenbaker's new translation. The play will be produced as part of the Stratford' Shakespeare Festival's 2009 season, and then move to San Francisco in early 2010. Carey Perloff will direct will the production. Phèdre is a dramatic tragedy in five acts about the dying queen's obsessive love for her stepson, Hippolytus, and Hippolytus' love for the forbidden beauty Aricia. Wertenbereker is best known as the author of Our Country's Good. McKenna most recently appeared in The Clean House at the Canadian Stage Company and in Burn Up for the BBC. Her many stage credits include The Glass Menagerie, Private Lives, Noises Off,< i>Good Mother, A Streetcar Named Desire, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and Hedda Gabler. For more information, call 415-749-2228.

Always call ahead to confirm dates and times!

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